BCG helps a Kiwi favourite get its groove back

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Coruba-web.jpgBlackwood Communications Group (BCG) has just completed one of the biggest Lion Nathan projects this year – a complete overhaul of the Coruba rum brand that takes the spirit back to its much loved kiwi roots.

“Lion Nathan asked us to take a fresh look at Coruba across all touchpoints,” says BCG Executive Creative Director James Blackwood. “The project’s been 12 months in the making, and ultimately there’s nothing we’ve overlooked in order to get the Coruba brand back where it belongs.”

The re-fit, which launches a new brand positioning “The Rum from the Sun”, encompasses everything from packaging and point of sale through to promotional campaigns and a new 60-second television commercial.

VIEW THE SPOT HERE:

“This campaign’s been a really good example of an agency evaluating andunderstanding the market and then applying those learnings across everybrand touchpoint.” says Susan Cassidy, Lion Nathan Marketing Manager.”With that in mind, I’m really excited about this campaign and I thinkretailers will be too.”

Coruba has been New Zealand’s favourite rum since 1967. But in theyears since Coruba last had a major makeover, drinkers have becomespoilt for choice and other spirits have been gaining ground. This newbrand positioning has been designed to really reconnect with the thingsNew Zealanders know and love about Coruba.

“The television spot in particular is still true to the sun-soakedessence of the Coruba Brand,” Cassidy says. “What’s new is the context- we’ve given it a contemporary look and feel, including an inspiringnew music track that reflects modern kiwi tastes.”

The commercial was shot on a specially constructed set at Auckland’sMuriwai Beach by Josh Frizell of Curious Films, one of New Zealand’smost in-demand directors. The TVC features people descending on atypical kiwi beach from far and wide to catch the Green Flash – one ofnature’s lesser-known phenomena, glimpsed when the sun sets inabsolutely perfect conditions. That’s the signal to celebrate – it’sCoruba time!

Peter Hottmann, Global Consumer Marketing Manager at J. Wray &Nephew Limited, the company behind Coruba worldwide, was a vocaladvocate of the finished product. “It’s great getting the right type ofagency and the right director. Everyone involved has been a great fit[for the brand],” Hottmann says.

Underpinned by significant year-long media spend as well as majortrade, in-store and bar promotions, the campaign heralds the start ofan exciting new chapter for the brand – potentially making an oldfavourite this country’s new favourite.